All this information was great!!! I am a soon to be school owner and you guys def helped out in a time of need.. Thank You.

What about typical studio size? I can't seem to find any info on how big a typical studio size would be.

Whatever feels best for you. I have a small studio, small student base, so I'm peachy keen in on a 420 sf dance floor. Of course, I only teach clogging... no across-the-floor work or jumping.

This is a fantastic thread. I made a huge list from all the ideas and advice here to make sure I am not overlooking anything! Thank you!

Get books and publications on the business. I just found this site, maybe something to add to the list...
www.dancestudioowner.com

Not sure how Canada runs taxes- But State side you can right off your dance classes as education - BUT you do not need the studios EIN or the Owners SSN

Just a quick question.
I know you definitely need some type of insurance when opening a dance studio. Howver, I have done some research and have found many studio have something like this is their school's policies: "Such and Such's Dance Studio will not be held responsible for any illness/injury acquired while taking class...."
Does this mean that they probably do not have insurance?
I was just curious.

Any feedback would be great.
Thanks

--Abby

They probably still have insurance. I don't want to go into the details of why that clause is there on an open board. Ask again when you join the private boards or PM me.

This helps so much. Thanks!

You can also check out other studios online, they usually post their policies and procedures, along with the other classes they offer. This is your comp. and you should be familiar with what they offer and why you are different.

You need a business license, no?

DayandNight wrote:

You need a business license, no?

It depends on where you live. You will need to file a "DBA" form, which is a registration of a fictitious name. Again, laws differ from area to area. Check out your local courthouse, someone there can direct you to the appropriate agency.

I have done some research and have found many studio have something like this is their school's policies: "Such and Such's Dance Studio will not be held responsible for any illness/injury acquired while taking class...."
Does this mean that they probably do not have insurance?
I was just curious.

No, this is what is known as a "hold harmless" clause, and it is usually required by the insurance companies. It is rarely enforceable in the case of genuine claims, but the insurance people save a bundle on frivolous lawsuits by insisting on it.

Another thing to know about insurance...make sure they give you the rate for "Schools and institutions" and not "Dance Halls". The difference in the rate is thousands of dollars a year for me.

Good luck

Keep On Dancing*

This is an excellent thread! We just opened this week...I am a mixture of fear and excitement and nerves. Our enrollment is not as high as we wanted, but we are working to get out in the community. I'm finding that community ties are very important to establishing your business, and that it is import to network with other small businesses--you can really help each other out in terms of getting your name out there!

For all those people asking the SO-board about how to open their studio.